Stormzy's Driving Ban: A Cautionary Tale on Road Safety

British rapper Stormzy was banned from driving for nine months after admitting to using his phone while driving a Rolls-Royce. Known for popularizing grime music, he faced criticism for displaying 'dangerous and irresponsible' behavior, and received fines and penalty points for previous offenses.

British rapper Stormzy was handed a nine-month driving ban on Thursday after admitting to using his phone behind the wheel of his Rolls-Royce in London. The 31-year-old artist, known for bringing grime into the mainstream, came under judicial scrutiny when he failed to uphold road safety standards.

In a hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court, District Judge Andrew Sweet labeled Stormzy's driving as "dangerous and irresponsible." Prosecutor Alice Holloway underscored the potential risk to vulnerable road users from his past driving record, which includes an instance where he operated a Lamborghini Urus with illegally tinted windows that allowed only 4% light transmission, far below the 70% requirement.

Stormzy, who did not attend the hearing, pleaded guilty in writing to the mobile phone offense from March. His defense lawyer, Peter Csemiczky, conveyed Stormzy's apology and responsibility acceptance. The artist was fined 2,010 pounds, and penalty points were added to his driving record.

(With inputs from agencies.)